Role cytokines of the TGF-beta family in the process of folliculogenesis, oogenesis and oocyte maturation in mammals

摘要

The process of oocytes maturation in mammals is regulated by the expression of many types of cell-specific genes. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation is based on activation of biochemical and metabolic pathways that lead to reaching the full maturation stage (MII) of oocytes. The most recent data indicates that the proteins belonging to transforming the growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily play an important role in the process of oocytes maturation, as well as of reaching full developmental capacity by these cells. Moreover, it has been clearly showed that the proteins belonging to TGF-beta such as inhibins (INHA, INHB) and activins regulate both folliculo- and oogenesis by the stimulation and/or inhibition of several biochemical pathways. In this review, the most recent knowledge about the role of proteins belonging to TGF-beta superfamily in the regulation of folliculogenesis, oogenesis and oocytes maturation has been presented and discussed.